| Yoga has tremendous benefits for children with | | | | |
| asthma. This article will itemize some of those benefits | | | | 1. Chest openers increase lung space and improve |
| as well as provide specific exercises which children | | | | posture. Back bending poses such as Cobra pose, Fish |
| with asthma can perform to reap these benefits. | | | | pose, Camel pose, and Pyramid pose are all effective |
| Yoga Teaches Proper Breathing TechniqueOften | | | | chest openers. |
| asthmatics mouth breath or focus primarily on the | | | | 2. Poses which coordinate movement with the breath |
| inhalation. Both of these tendencies cause problems. | | | | are especially beneficial. Standing in Mountain pose and |
| Yogic breathing, pranayama, trains individuals in how to | | | | raising the arms overhead on the inhale, lowering them |
| properly use their diaphragm, rib cage, chest, throat and | | | | back to the sides on the exhale, repeated 10 times, |
| nasal cavity to transport oxygen effectively to the | | | | helps children become conscious of their breath, its |
| body while allowing the carbon dioxide to be | | | | rhythms, and how to breath properly. |
| completely released. Asthmatics often need to focus | | | | 3. Twists such as simple seated twist or |
| on the exhale, allowing the lungs to fully empty, before | | | | Marichiyasana III promote spinal length and flexibility. |
| inhaling. Breathing exercises also strengthen the lungs, | | | | They help to tone the side body and massage the |
| increase lung capacity and pulmonary efficiency. | | | | internal organs while teaching proper posture and how |
| Yoga Combats StressYoga is well known for its | | | | to move with the breath. Breathing exercises for |
| anti-stress benefits. Yogic relaxation techniques help to | | | | children with asthma are essential. Three pranayama |
| synchronize the mind and body. Tension is released | | | | exercises which will prove helpful for asthmatics are |
| and daily stressors relieved as the body lets go and | | | | included here. |
| individuals access their internal experience. Asthmatics | | | | |
| are able to understand the emotional and physical | | | | 1. Observing the Breath: Lie is Corpse pose. Close your |
| triggers which can cause an asthma attack and | | | | eyes and place on hand on your chest, the other on |
| thereby avoid them. Self-awareness is greatly | | | | your abdomen. Pay attention to the breath. Feel it, listen |
| enhanced and a feeling of confidence and trusting in | | | | to it. Is it rough, smooth, fast, slow, even or un-even. Do |
| your own personal wisdom grows. This is extremely | | | | not control the breath, simply observe. |
| empowering for children with asthma as they | | | | 2. Lengthening the Exhale: As you breathe focus on |
| personally are in control of their mind, emotions and | | | | softening the inhale (do not gulp in the air) and |
| body. | | | | extending the exhale. Count while you do this so that |
| Yoga Provides Physical Fitness | | | | the exhale becomes twice as long as the inhale. Be |
| Many children with asthma curtail or refrain from | | | | sure to use the diaphragm to expand and contract he |
| physical activities for fear it will result in an asthma | | | | belly and lower lung instead of using the chest and |
| attack. Yoga however allows for a full body workout | | | | upper lung. Continue for five minutes. |
| without asthma induced repercussions. Children can | | | | 3. Breathing with Pursed Lips: This exercise focuses on |
| maintain a healthy body and mind, as well as benefit | | | | the exhale. Inhale softly through the nose. Exhale |
| from all the social interactions which come from group | | | | through pursed lips, blowing the breath in out in a |
| physical fitness activities. In addition, yoga is movement | | | | steady stream. Do not push too far. Pause, and then |
| education, where the body and breath work together, | | | | repeat. Keep the inhale soft, allowing the lungs to fill |
| which is highly beneficial for asthmatics. | | | | gently from the bottom. Maintain a slow steady exhale, |
| Exercises for Asthma Relief in Children | | | | using the diaphragm to expel the air gradually. Smaller |
| Three types of yoga poses are especially helpful | | | | children may benefit from a straw in a glass of milk or |
| when working with children with asthma. | | | | juice to visually see the effects of this exercise. |